Polish doom-metallers-turned-to-stoner-rockers, Corruption, got their sixth full length platter out. They formed back in 1991. Another case of "should've changed the name"? Yeah, I think so. Anyways, they didn't do it, so let's get over it. The new album 'Bourbon River Bank' is filled with energetic rock, but is that enough to save the album?

Corruption's stoner rock is familiar. However, the band know how to write a good song. Plus, they are on fire here! This is simply perfectly performed, as well as produced. The instrumentalists know their stuff. You can hear the good times here. Vocals are suitably scorched by whiskey. There's a listing of their influences on their myspace.com page, looking like this: Kyuss, Cathedral, Orange Goblin, Monster Magnet, Goatsnake, Mustasch, Motörhead, Corrosion Of Conformity.

The influence of Kyuss can be heard in guitar work at times when it's grainy and deserty, the other times hard-hitting. Blues rock comes crawling in occasionally (for example on the title track), as well as more metal bits in vein of double kick drumming and some guitar playing (e.g. 'One Point Losers'). The album is solid yet versatile, it does not stall, but rolls on like an 8 wheel truck on steaming desert road.

What Corruption lose in being characteristic, they gain in feeling and song writing. 'Bourbon River Bank' is perfect for cruising with your car, or when staying home and swelling beer. Intense, but not uncontrolled stoner rock.

Rating: 7+ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
05/23/2010 15:08